
OUR BEST MIDI CONTROLLERS FOR LIVE & STUDIO
MIDI Controllers make live performance and music production more intuitive, hands-on, and easier. They provide many functions that can control the digital audio workstation and plugins as well as effect devices and even light systems.
Due to the fact that there are hundreds of models out there coming from different brands, it could get frustrating to choose the best MIDI Controller that serves your need. For that, we have compiled our top recommended best of MIDI Controllers for live performance and studio applications.
Should you want to check the whole MIDI Controllers catalog please click here →
1.
ABLETON
PUSH 3
Ableton Push 3 allows you freedom from your computer so you can truly engage with your music in the present. Set up your equipment. Create your own sound. Play in a distinctively you-style. Push is a modular synthesizer that can be upgraded, has interchangeable parts, and has a dynamic relationship with Ableton Live 12 Suite (included). It is intended to be the centerpiece of your setup for many years to come.
2.
AKAI PRO
APC64 & MINI
The Akai APC line of instruments combined this approach with Ableton Live‘s hybrid studio/live-performance architecture to maximize the software suite’s creative potential, and the APC64 is the current musician’s answer to Ableton Live-driven performance.
Production experts are raving about Akai‘s APC Mini Mk2 because it gives complete Ableton Live control to a little performing powerhouse. Similar to its predecessor, an 8-inch by 8-inch matrix takes up the most of the control surface.
3.
NOVATION
LAUNCHPAD X
With Novation Launchpad X‘s rapid, hands-on clip and scene launching and our most playable grid to date, everything about composing songs in Ableton Live is simplified. Play your instruments and gadgets expressively with the 64 velocity and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, then capture ideas with one-button Capture MIDI control. Every Ableton Live performer or music producer should have a Launchpad X on their workstation.
4.
NOVATION
LAUNCH CONTROL XL
Designed for Ableton Live, but powerful enough for virtually any electronic music software, the Novation Launch Control XL puts eight channels of hands-on control at your fingertips. Three banks of knobs offer instant access to sends, panning, and more, whereas eight 60mm faders let you smoothly tweak track volume or other continuous parameters.
5.
ARTURIA
BEATSTEP PRO
The Arturia BeatStep Pro is a dream come true for everyone who enjoys the hands-on experience of hardware sequencing and works with a wide range of electronic music instruments. It is designed to work with MIDI, USB, CV/Gate, and even DIN Sync platforms and it features two separate sequencers, each with 64 steps per sequence.
6.
AKAI PRO
MIDIMIX
Make the most of your on-the-go mixing sessions with the MIDImix portable DAW controller from Akai Professional. Sporting a familiar layout of faders, multi-functional knobs, and buttons for bank, mute, solo, and record arm functions, the MIDImix gives you complete, uncomplicated mastery over mixing and processing in Ableton Live.
7.
PIONEER DJ
DDJ-XP2
Improve your rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro performance with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-XP2 add-on DJ controller. Whatever DJ software you’re used to, this DJ gear will allow you to get more out of it than ever before.
The Pioneer DDJ-XP2 complements your setup with 32 sturdy, colorful Performance Pads and powerful pad modes.
8.
ARTURIA
KEYSTEP PRO
The Arturia KeyStep Pro, which combines advanced sequencing capabilities with a 37-key, velocity-sensitive keybed with aftertouch, might be the controller and sequencer you’ve been looking for.
The KeyStep Pro is equipped with USB for use with software instruments, MIDI for use with hardware synths, and CV/Gate/Mod outputs for Eurorack modular synthesizers.
9.
BEHRINGER
X-TOUCH MINI
If you need full-scale DAW and plug-in control but don’t want the full-scale footprint, the Behringer X-Touch Mini USB control surface is for you. The little X-Touch Mini control surface is one of those excellent items that may greatly improve the efficiency of your rig. With 8 rotary controls, 16 lighted buttons, and a single quality 60mm slider, you can easily manipulate your mix, plug-ins, and virtual synthesizers.
10.
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS
KONTROL F1
Deconstruct and reconstruct with Native Instruments TRAKTOR KONTROL F1. Capture and load all your favorite loops and samples on-the-fly into Remix Decks. Any sound imaginable becomes a building block for your own remix masterpiece. Or explore a new way to mix with your tracks using the F1 with Stems – a new multi-channel file format for creative mixing.
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